Serve Up Style: Dining Design for Every Space from Nook to Patio

Breakfast nooks are having a resurgence in popularity and it’s no wonder why; their casual feel and convenient size make them ideal for maximizing smaller spaces or for transforming unused corners into functional hotspots for good eats and conversation. They work perfectly when set against windows or any other natural light, echoing the refreshing feel of a brand-new day.

Because breakfast nooks are less formal than other dining spaces, they allow for more freedom in the home decor and furnishings you choose. Essential to this dining design is a feeling of coziness that permeates the air and encourages you to savor your morning coffee – so opt for items that are comfortable and add visual or physical warmth. Round or circular dining tables have a naturally relaxed feel and tighter shape perfect for cozying up or boosting easy conversation. A wood piece like the Jones dining table adds warmth and texture, while a glass design like Prism keeps your breakfast nook feeling open and refreshed. Avoid a cluttered feel by utilizing vertical space with wall shelves or choosing furnishing with built-in storage like the Dansk multifunction table; its adjustable top and storage compartment makes it the definition of convenient.

For seating, look for well-crafted dining chairs that are lightweight yet sturdy; being able to move your seating around easily in a tighter space is essential to the comfort of your breakfast nook. You can mix and match different chair styles to heighten that cozy charm or choose a design that complements your dining table; a mid-century modern design like Harper adds a timeless feel while the stackable Jason chair brings bold elegance and space-savviness. To maximize your nook’s space even more, consider adding a dining bench like Shine. Dining benches are naturally versatile and help establish a communal feel.

Finalize your breakfast nook with a few carefully selected accessories that boost your space’s inviting atmosphere. Place a rug with a color or pattern that culminates in the center – such as Combination or Kingsley – under your breakfast table to create a distinct visual that enhances the coziness. Try incorporating vibrant wall art or throw pillows with fun patterns to feel instantly energized as you sit down for breakfast.

Outdoor patios can be a fun, refreshing space to dine, encouraging you to linger and enjoy the beauty of nature. Ideal for those wanting an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life or for those with an ample backyard, an outdoor patio can be just as comfortable and elegant as traditional dining spaces.

The right outdoor furniture and décor can transform your patio into a coveted dining destination – so make sure to thoroughly check whether an item is safe for use outdoors. Common outdoor furniture materials include wood, steel, recycled plastic, resin, and iron – giving you more options than you might think. Look for furnishings with sturdy structures and minimalist designs; their understated elegance will enhance the natural beauty of the outdoors. Both the Circle and Four dining tables (available in-store) feature bamboo wood tops that are pre-treated to resist deterioration and corrosion-resistant aluminum bases; Circle, with its sculptural base and granite center, offers a more opulent look, while Four’s casual feel fits in perfectly by a pool or hot tub. And though all wood naturally changes over time, proper care will ensure your table keeps its rich surface for many outdoor get-togethers.

For seating, traditional patio chairs are a classic for a reason; their lightweight flexibility makes them easy to move around and their minimalist structures provide a great canvas for throw pillows, blankets, and other patio décor. If you prefer something a bit more distinctive, try a mixed-material chair like Click, which combines steel, bamboo, and UV-protected plastic for an ergonomic Danish modern design.

Those with limited space can still enjoy the beauty of outdoor dining with a scratch-resistant occasional table like Corda or a companionable side table like Bink. These tables are perfect for serving appetizers or beverages, fostering a more relaxed atmosphere for you and your guests.

While nature serves as a stunning backdrop, incorporating additional accessories can elevate your dining area to rival your favorite outdoor café. Create an inviting ambiance with string lights or a few Design with Light lanterns, add additional greenery or display seasonal décor in stone bowls or columns, or make a bold, artistic statement with a life-size metal sculpture. Any décor that complements your personal style or adds a touch of warmth is sure to enhance your outdoor dining experience.

Cocktail corners’ coveted combo of luxury and convenience make them an ideal dining space for socializing or winding down after a long day. Regardless of size, a cocktail corner should be easily accessible, making anyone approaching feel instantly welcomed and catered to. Choosing the right furniture and decor will help capture a casual yet sophisticated vibe that’s well-suited for this type of dining space.

A well-designed cocktail corner will accommodate all your bartending needs and provide ample storage for your barware. Having everything you need within easy reach reduces the need to run back and forth for supplies, ensuring your dining space is fully functional on its own. If you have a large amount of space available, feel free to choose a wider sideboard or bar as your dining centerpiece; the Totem wine bar has plenty of storage space but goes beyond mere functionality with its dimmable LED lighting and striking steel accent. For smaller spaces, consider multifunctional designs that are practical and stylish like the Corridor bar; with its stemware rack, bottle storage, and adjustable shelf, Corridor keeps your dining essentials neatly organized, doing the hard part of entertaining for you. You can also utilize wall shelves and racks to maximize any available vertical space.

For your barstools, opt for designs that fit your aesthetic preferences and complement your bar or table. Leather and leather-look stools like Hype add a sophisticated feel that pairs well with a cocktail table like Dalia, creating an upscale ambiance that feels like you’re enjoying drinks at a bar in the city. More minimalist stools can easily integrate into a variety of design environments without feeling boring; the Joe barstool combines a sleek profile with a walnut veneer to add subtle warmth and texture. Non-bar seating can help boost your cocktail corner’s casual feel and encourage relaxation. Curved lounge chairs with low seats like Paragon have a welcoming shape that invites you to sit down and linger – try angling two towards each other in a corner or place a few around a small side table. Alternatively, for smaller spaces an ottoman with a flat surface or removable tabletop like that of the Stressless® double ottoman can serve as both a comfortable seating area and a place to rest drinks.

Add the finishing touches to your cocktail corner with accessories and decor that add a burst of glamour or color to bring in the “fun” factor. Sculptures, bowls, and vases with earthy or jewel tones, like that of the Stretched Neck vase, feel naturally luxurious, while vibrant wall arts like Desert House Party encourage a lively atmosphere.

Though open-concept homes have taken the interior design world by storm in the last few years, many have reclaimed the intimacy and elegance of a dedicated dining space. Formal dining rooms have a unique ability to encourage togetherness, removing us from life’s distractions (including a view of dishes in the sink) and offering an intentional space to reconnect. With careful attention to detail, you can elevate your home with a formal dining room that’s fit for everything from intimate family meals to fancy dinner parties.

Bolder design choices that feature striking or unique visuals will help distinguish your formal dining space, whether it’s in its own room or part of an open-floor plan. These eye-catching elements can be anything from a painted statement wall to a vintage China cabinet; anything rich with personality will help to define the space. Though you might find yourself using your formal dining room more and more as you redesign, first evaluate its current use; if you only formally dine at dinnertime or often entertain guests, consider a deep color palette of vivid plums, ambers, and forest greens to echo the evening mood. For a more brunch-ready space, a softer, neutral color scheme with pastel touches will feel invigorating and energizing.

An eye-catching dining table with a sculptural base or ornate top serves as the perfect centerpiece to establish your formal dining area. For larger spaces, a sprawling contemporary piece like Atrium does most of your decorating for you, while a round table like Tavolo Plisse works great in smaller setups, without sacrificing style. To prioritize practicality without losing that formal feel, try a classic wood dining table with extendable leaves like Dutch; wood has an understated elegance that is timeless for a reason. You can also make any dining table feel more refined by adding a source of light right above it such as a pendant lamp or chandelier. For your formal seating, opt for designs that include armrests or rounded backs like the Anita dining chair for a natural, high-end feel that keeps your guests comfortable and supported. If you prefer a quieter luxury, look for neutral leather or fabric chairs that feature subtle metal accents, patterns, or accent stitching like that of Bella Ruggente.

For your accessory furniture and decor, treat your formal dining room like an artist’s showcase – a sideboard, buffet, or curio cabinet not only helps stores your serve ware and drinkware but can also display your fine China, antiques, and other valuables. The Corridor storage cabinet has a mid-century modern look perfect for adding texture and dimension while the Bella Clara buffet’s contrasting materials and brass accents create warmth. Curate a truly memorable dining experience by adding vibrant wall art, a large sculpture, or a rug with a distinctive pattern like Vilja. More casual decorators might enjoy a classic floral arrangement or a few ornate vases and bowls; a subtly opulent piece like the Golden Thread Vessel can serve as both a decorative accent and catchall for keys, wallets, and other everyday items.

Whether you’re looking to create a cozy breakfast nook, a refreshing outdoor patio, a casual cocktail corner, or a luxurious, formal dining room, carefully curating the right furnishings can transform your space and enhance you and your guests’ experience. With these design tips and furniture recommendations we hope you’re ready to embark on the journey to a well-crafted dining space. For more shopping and design help, contact or visit a Copenhagen showroom to meet our sales and interior design experts.